12-30pm
In 30 days, I turn 50!
I’ve been thinking about this for months. In fact, I wrote most of this blog when there were 68 days to go! I was put off from posting it because I heard a friend say, ‘Turn 50 already! Get over it!’ That put the brakes on and I figured I’d suppress my enthusiasm (which can be a bit painful) and stop announcing it as often as I was!
I know that for many people a change in decade is an ominous thing! But for me, going from 29 to 30, 39 to 40 and now from 49 to 50, I just cannot help but get excited! I know! I know! It sounds crazy to be enthusiastic about aging. I think it has to do with two things. Mike is 13 years (and 8 months) older than I, so when we married, I was 21 and he was already 35. I waited 9 years to turn 30, hoping that by then I would be closer to him in age…well at least more mature! I was really excited about turning 40! The year, 2004, was a torrid one. Too many horrible things happened…I don’t want to recap… and with my 40th birthday in November that year, I just determined that it would be the turning point. It was! All my siblings came to Cape Town….that was 10 years ago and it would be the last time we were altogether. Two at my party that year are no longer with us. My older brother Arnold passed away in 2007 and Derek, my brother-in-law passed away 2 years ago. Maybe that’s why I’m appreciative of turning 50. Arnold didn’t get there. Derek was 52 when he died. They were both too young.
My 5th decade on earth is going to be a fabulous one. By God’s grace it is going to be a very productive one. By the time I turn 60, I hope to have seen growth in our family – maybe I’ll be a Granny! Mike will retire. There will be new things to learn, new places to go, new golf clubs to play, new people to meet.
There are things I know for sure about the next 10 years of my life. I am sure there will be plenty of laughter. There will be also be tears. I will continue to try and live a healthy life. I will continue to stave off the temptation of too much sugar. I will continue to exercise and try and get fitter. I will continue to smile more and be kind to myself.
I am guaranteed to see the grace of God. I will see answered prayer. I will see His provision. I will see His direction. God is faithful. He always has been and He always will be. I am assured of His ongoing love and faithfulness in our lives.
I will continue to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways, I will acknowledge Him and I know He will make my paths straight.
So, as the countdown begins and the 5th November approaches, there may not be a big party, but there are already fireworks in my heart; a bonfire of gratitude and Catherine wheels of appreciation.
I’m going to be 50! Woooo hoooo!
(Pic-National Geographic)
I’m not having a big party. Rather, this year, it’s extended over a period of time. I’ve already had some celebration. The blessed generous gift from my brother of our trip to Zanzibar kicked it all off. Then, God willing, before the clock chimes in 5th November, I would have had a couple of days at Aquila and a dinner with closest family. On the day, there will be a picnic with Mike and maybe another little activity or two.
50 years ago, I was around – in my Mommy’s tummy, probably knocking to come out!
Yes, 50 looks good from where I sit.
I will enjoy every moment! 2 Corinthians 4:16
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Oh there’s a truth!
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂
Gratitude Pic…bright sunshine in Cape Town…here’s Mike watering the plants and lawn in front of the cottage…
